A Wider Circle Expands with Jobs Center

Silver Spring-based nonprofit will now offer job training and interview clothes for people in need.

A Wider Circle, a Silver Spring-based nonprofit that provides furniture and adult education programs to people who are homeless, is now offering job training and interview clothes to its clients. The Center for Professional Development opened at 9153 Brookville Road on Feb. 16.  “You can not get out of poverty without a job,” Mark Bergel, executive director of the nonprofit, said in a statement. “For those who are not fortunate enough to receive the type of support and guidance necessary to secure sustainable, long-term employment, the new center aims to provide that." The center helps jobseekers look for jobs, receive technology and computer training and access to professional interview and work clothes.  A Wider Circle is looking for …

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Holiday Giving Project Continues at A Wider Circle

The focus for December giving is toys for children and gift cards for teens.

Holiday Giving Project Continues at A Wider Circle

The focus for December giving is toys for children and gift cards for teens.

With Thanksgiving firmly in the holiday rear-view mirror, the focus is on the December holidays at A Wider Circle. The Silver Spring-based nonprofit is Montgomery County's coordinating service agency for the Holiday Giving Project, which matches organizations and municipalities with families by zip code.  Nonprofits, religous organizations and local governments may sponsor areas of the county by providing toys and gifts as well as assist with providing a holiday meal, said Susan Klavon, who works with the project for A Wider Circle.  "Our focus is different in December because we're thinking about toys for children and gifts for teenagers," she told Patch. "Typically, we're also trying to connect our families to some food for a holiday …

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County, Nonprofit Needs Holiday Support for Silver Spring, Wheaton Families

A Wider Circle needs sponsorship for needy families in Silver Spring, Aspen Hill and Wheaton this Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Montgomery County families facing hard times and a rapidly approaching holiday season need help, organizers of nonprofit A Wider Circle told local news outlets.  The organization was chosen as the county's partner in the annual Holiday Giving Project, which pairs faith-based, nonprofit and government sponsors with people in need by zip code. This year, organizers told the Gazette newspaper that two zip codes in Silver Spring, one zip code in Wheaton and one zip code in Aspen Hill are still without a sponsor, a week before Thanksgiving. "Some families may not get the help in Silver Spring that they will get in Rockville or Gaithersburg," Mark Bergel, founder and executive director of A Wider Circle, told ABC7.  The zip codes without a …

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10:31 am on Friday, November 16, 2012

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Get Out: Weekend Activities Downtown and Nearby

Looking for some different ideas for this holiday weekend? Patch is coming to the rescue.

Check out our picks for activities and events in and aorund Silver Spring this holiday weekend. 1. Silver Stars Gives Back Where/When: On Saturday, Dec. 24 at Silver Stars Gymnastics located at 2701 Pittman Drive in Silver Spring. The event starts at 10 a.m. Why go: Let your children 12 and under play on a train moonbounce, use the trampolines, monkey bars and balance beams, all while doing some good (all proceeds go to A Wider Circle). Pricing: $10 2. FRESHFARM Market at Georgia and Ellsworth Where/When: Weekly on Saturdays on Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Why Go: Get some fresh veggies, fruits, pastries and cheeses to serve during your holiday feasts. Pricing: Price varies and different stands. 3. Garden of …

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Local Organizations Support Community During Thanksgiving Holiday

Charities help set the table with meals, gift cards, baskets, and more.

Silver Spring is home to many civic, social and religous organizations that help families and individuals in need throughout the year. The following groups are currently focusing their efforts on helping out during the Thanksgiving holiday: Interfaith Works/Carroll House will offer its 32 residents a traditional holiday meal provided and served by neighbors, church groups, and the county's department of health and human services employees. For those looking to still donate to a local cause, Carroll House is still looking for donations of pies and other desserts as well as drinks call. Interested parties should call Sarah at 301-587-7270. Shepherd’s Table plans to serve approximately 130 Thanksgiving dinner –from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on a …

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